Official Says Syria Accepts Russian Initiative

Damascus, Syria (AP) - A senior Syrian government official says his country's acceptance of a Russian initiative to relinquish its chemical weapons is a sign of strength. The cabinet minister, Ali Haidar, says that by agreeing to the proposal, Damascus has removed one of the pretexts for war against Syria, although he says the threat of foreign military action remains. He tells The Associated Press that Syria didn't agree to the proposal out of fear, and that it shouldn't be seen as a concession